Royal Adelaide Hospital, 2017
Kwikloc® Seismic Ceiling System specified for one of Australia's most complex healthcare builds - delivering acoustic performance and structural compliance at scale.
Project Overview
Some products are designed to perform. Others prove it. At the Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre - the only public indoor aquatic facility in the Northern Territory, Studform's Kwikloc® Aquatic Ceiling System has done exactly that. More than 12 years after installation, the system remains in exceptional condition: clean, structurally sound, and visually appealing. A testament to what purpose-built, corrosion-resistant ceiling engineering looks like in practice.
The Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre is a major indoor and outdoor aquatic and leisure facility located in one of Australia's most demanding climatic environments. The project was commissioned by Alice Springs Town Council and designed by Michael Davies Architecture - a facility built to complement existing outdoor infrastructure while delivering a world-class indoor aquatic experience. The centre is a multi-disciplinary build of significant scale and complexity, featuring:
- An 8-lane, 25-metre competition pool with seating for 200 people
- A 20 x 8-metre leisure and learn-to-swim pool including ramp access, an in-pool spa, a rapid river and multiple water features
- Two large externally mounted interlocking water slides
- A roof structure featuring a steel truss spanning over 36 metres
The centre incorporates significant indigenous cultural protocols and major indigenous artworks as part of the building fabric - reflecting its deep connection to community and place.
Project Details
Location
Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Completed
2014
Project Size
50 metre outdoor pool, 25 metre indoor pool, 20 metre leisure pool
Product detail, Industry
Kwikloc® Aquatic Ceiling System, Aquatic
Product Specification
Kwikloc® Aquatic Ceiling System
Architect
The Challenge
Aquatic environments are among the most corrosive conditions a ceiling system will face. Chlorine, humidity, condensation and temperature fluctuation work continuously to degrade materials and in Alice Springs, the extreme heat and arid desert climate compound those pressures further.
For a facility of this scale and public importance, ceiling failure is not an option. The system needed to perform structurally, maintain hygiene standards, and hold its visual integrity. The challenge was clear: specify a ceiling system purpose-built for harsh aquatic environments that could deliver long-term performance without compromise.
The Solution
Studform supplied and installed the Kwikloc® Aquatic Ceiling System – an aluminium exposed grid specifically engineered for corrosive aquatic environments. The system's anti-corrosion performance is comprehensive.
Each component is designed to eliminate the risk of unlike metal contact - a key cause of accelerated corrosion in pool environments.
Key features of the system installed at Alice Springs include:
Full aluminium grid construction
All grid connections are formed in aluminium only - no galvanised or steel components within the grid system itself. High-tensile aluminium tempers are used throughout for structural integrity and corrosion resistance.
Above and below ceiling corrosion control
The system protects both the visible ceiling surface and the concealed structure above. Double-grommeted stainless-steel fasteners, aluminium wire suspension (SRA4.0) and a twitched aluminium connection at the tee ensure consistent protection throughout.
Premium non-corrosive finish
All aluminium sections are powder coated white on an automatic production line - delivering a consistent, non-corrosive finish suited to environments where quality and longevity are a priority.
Seismic compliance
The Kwikloc® Aquatic system suspension points exceed the requirements of AS/NZS 2785 - a critical specification for public facilities across Australia and New Zealand, providing superior safety and structural integrity.
Increased installation flexibility
The main tee is pre-punched at 300mm centres to accommodate a variety of ceiling designs. The 1200mm cross tee is centre punched as standard, supporting service integration and reducing installation complexity on site.
Integrated lighting compatibility
The Kwikloc® Aquatic system is fully compatible with the Kwiklux® Aquatic LED lighting system delivering seamless integration and corrosion-resistant performance from grid to light fitting.
The Kwikloc® Aquatic Ceiling System is proven across Australia and New Zealand's toughest environments and trusted for the new state of the art Adelaide Aquatic Centre.
The Outcome
More than 12 years after installation, the Kwikloc® Aquatic Ceiling System at Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre continues to perform to specification.
The grid remains structurally sound, the finish is intact, and the system shows no signs of corrosive degradation despite years of continuous exposure to the demanding indoor pool environment. This longevity is the result of a system engineered from the ground up for project specific conditions - where every component, every connection and every finish decision is made with corrosion resistance and long-term performance in mind.
For the Alice Springs community, the centre has become a genuine hub - a facility that supports competitive swimming, learn-to-swim programs, recreational leisure and community connection. The ceiling system plays a quiet but critical role in keeping that facility operational, hygienic and safe.
Why Kwikloc® Aquatic?
Studform's Kwikloc® Aquatic Ceiling System is trusted across aquatic centres, leisure facilities, and corrosive commercial environments throughout Australia and New Zealand. It delivers:
- Proven corrosion resistance: verified by independent corrosion consultants with years of installed systems.
- Standards & Compliance: Compliant with AS/NZS 2785 for suspended ceilings, with optional seismic design to AS 1170.4 for projects requiring enhanced performance.
- Architectural flexibility: spanning large areas with minimal bracing requirements, supporting diverse design intent
- Hygienic performance: flat, even tile nesting creates a clean, sealed ceiling surface that minimises contamination risk
- Long-term value: reduced maintenance requirements and sustained performance over time
The system also complements Studform's broader product range for aquatic and commercial environments.
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